City Council

Chattanooga City Council City of Chattanooga, Tennessee John P. Franklin, Sr. City Council Building COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2026 3:30 PM CALL TO ORDER Council Chairwoman Jenny Hill called the business meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. A quorum was present that also included Council Vice Chair Marvene Noel and Councilpersons Chip Henderson, Jeff Davis, Cody Harvey, Jenni Berz, Raquetta Dotley, and Ron Elliott. Councilman Dennis Clark was not in attendance of this meeting. [Editor’s Note: This was a recessed meeting and live streamed on YouTube. View here prior to the recess and here after the recess.] OTHER PARTICIPANTS Mayor’s Office: Tim Kelly, Mayor Office of City Attorney: Phil Noblett, City Attorney Police: John Chambers, Chief Finance: Weston Porter, City Finance Officer Purchasing: Debbie Talley, Chief Procurement Officer Council Office: Melissa Bardoner, Council Support Specialist, and Nicole Gwyn, Clerk to Council PFM Financial Advisors LLC: Lauren Lowe, Managing Director UTC: Dr. Chris Acuff, UC Foundation Associate Professor of Public Administration & Principal of Empirical Insights LLC PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilwoman Dotley led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Chattanooga Public Safety Update Mayor Kelly made introductory remarks [view here] before turning it over to Chief Chambers for presentation, which may be viewed here and touched on the following: 1 02/10/26  • An explanation of the CPD’s data collection and arrest statistics • Three-year analysis of arrest demographics • Breakdown of crime by category for last year • Recent changes to state law • Different scenarios pertaining to stops and/or arrests made by CPD • CPD’s commitment to lawful and fair policing by: o Making reports and other information publicly available, to provide transparency & accountability o Continued collaborations with community partners, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based organizations o Offering free ‘Community Police Academy’ programs several times a year o Outreach and potential pilot program(s) aimed at building trust Upon no comments or questions from Council, the issue was closed. APPROVAL OF LAST MINUTES On motion of Vice Chair Noel and seconded by Councilwoman Dotley, the minutes of the last meeting (February 3, 2026) were approved as published. DISCUSSION AGENDA ORDINANCES – FIRST READING: Agenda Item VIII(d) – Planning (Case No. 2026-0001 for 4412 Dodds Avenue) Councilwoman Berz advised her intent to amend this item when it came up for a vote. Upon no further comments or questions, the issue was closed. Agenda Item VIII(f) – Planning (Case No. 2026-0008 for 2212 Bailey Avenue) Councilman Elliott advised his intent to defer this item to March 10, 2026, when it came time for a vote. Upon no further comments or questions, the issue was closed. RESOLUTIONS: Agenda Item IX(c) – Council Office (Relative to adopting new Rules of Operation for the Chattanooga City Council) Chairwoman Hill informed Council there would be an alternate version of this item; discussion ensued [view here]. Upon no further comments or questions, the issue was closed. PURCHASING QUESTIONS: Recommended New Purchases: • 200868.1 – Stormwater Forestry Division, Public Works (Tree Planting) • Councilman Elliott asked Ms. Furth to connect with him offline about this item; Ms. Furth affirmed. 2 02/10/26 Emergency Purchases: • REQ175699 – Police Department (Mold Remediation Services) • Councilwoman Dotley asked how long the remediation would take; Chief Chambers responded. BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE PROCEDURAL NOTE: Chairwoman Hill yielded control of the meeting to Councilwoman Dotley for the Budget & Finance Committee. [View the committee here.] CALL TO ORDER: Councilwoman Dotley, Committee Chair, called the Budget & Finance Committee to order at 4:19 p.m., with a quorum of eight Councilpersons present. Councilman Clark was not in attendance of this meeting. MINUTE APPROVAL: On motion of Vice Chair Noel and seconded by Councilman Elliott, the minutes of the last Budget & Finance Committee meeting (October 28, 2025) were approved as published. AGENDA OVERVIEW: Councilwoman Dotley began the committee meeting by briefly going over the agenda and presenting some of the FY26 budget highlights [view here]. Upon no comments or questions, the issue was closed. UPDATED FINANCIAL POLICIES: Mr. Porter was then invited up to brief the Council on the City’s updated financial policies. His presentation may be viewed here and touched on the following: • Which policies are being updated: o One-Time Revenue Policy o Volatile Revenues Policy o Structurally Balanced Budget Policy o Fund Balance Reserve Policy • What these policies can be used for and what is needed from City Council • Why these policies are being updated now Afterwards, the floor was opened to questions and comments from the Council, which may be viewed here. BOND REPORT: Mr. Porter then yielded the floor to Ms. Lowe with PFM Advisors, who gave an update on the recent bond issuance and closing process, as well as the City’s debt obligation [view here]. Upon no comments or questions from Council, the issue was closed. 3 02/10/26 BUDGET RESEARCH UPDATE: Budget Analysis and Fiscal Health Assessment for the City of Chattanooga Dr. Acuff presented the draft report on his preliminary findings to the Council. His presentation may be viewed here and touched on the following: • Overview of the General Fund Revenues and Expenditures • Revenue and Expenditure Forecasts • Overview and Analysis of Fiduciary Funds • Measures of Fiscal Health • Recommendations and next steps At the conclusion of Dr. Acuff’s presentation, the meeting transitioned into a Q&A session [view here], during which Councilpersons asked questions and made requests for the following: • Projection(s) or estimates on what % of the City’s tax revenue comes from groceries • Information on the cities we consider “peer cities” to Chattanooga: o Their funding structures (both local and state) o Their limitations and/or constraints (ability to annex, or lack thereof) • Projections on the contribution(s) going out of the general fund each year • Historic data on the number of employees, i.e. how employees are classified and/or counted (in regard to the increase of 223 employees since 2015) Upon no further comments or questions, the issue was closed. MEETING RECESS Upon no objections, Councilwoman Dotley adjourned the Budget & Finance Committee at 5:42 p.m. and recessed the business meeting until 6:30 p.m. MEETING RECONVENED Chairwoman Hill reconvened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was present that also included Vice Chair Noel and Councilpersons Henderson, Davis, Harvey, Dotley, and Elliott. Attorney Noblett and Ms. Gwyn were also present. Councilwoman Berz did not return to the meeting after the recess. Councilman Clark was not present during this meeting. ORDER OF BUSINESS 4 02/10/26 ORDINANCES – FINAL READING: 2025-0176 Amalia Jacinto Ramirez Planning Version #2 District No. 8 On motion of Vice Chair Noel and seconded by Councilman Harvey, ORDINANCE #14323 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3014 DODDS AVENUE, FROM I-H HEAVY INDUSTRIAL ZONE TO C-C COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR ZONE, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. The motion carried. ACTION: APPROVED ORDINANCES – FIRST READING: On motion of Councilwoman Dotley and seconded by Vice Chair Noel, ORDINANCE #14324 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 4, WHICH CHAPTER IS KNOWN AS “THE CHATTANOOGA AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BUREAU ORDINANCE” BY PROVIDING FOR INCREASED PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE FEES. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED ON FIRST READING 2025-0181 NANKAT, LLC Planning Commission Version #2 District No. 4 ORDINANCE #14325 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1815, 1819, 1823, AND 1829 JENKINS ROAD, FROM RN-1-6 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE TO TRN-2 TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. Councilman Harvey moved to approve with the following five conditions: • A maximum density of 47 units. 5 02/10/26  • Dedication of right-of-way to the City of Chattanooga to achieve a minimum of 30 feet from the centerline of Jenkins Road. • Installation of a minimum 5-foot high vinyl-coated chain-link fence along the southern boundary of the development, extending from the Jenkins Road right-of-way to the floodplain limits of Mackie Branch. • A 20-foot planted buffer must be installed and maintained according to city standards along and behind the new right-of-way, south of the property at 1825 Jenkins Road. • All homes must be set back a minimum of 40 feet from the Jenkins Roadway, except for any required front build-to-zone setbacks Councilwoman Dotley seconded. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED AS AMENDED ON FIRST READING 2026-0013 Neil Ligon Planning Version #2 District No. 4 ORDINANCE #14326 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8476 EAST BRAINERD ROAD, FROM RN-1-6 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE TO C-TMU TRANSITIONAL MIXED-USE COMMERCIAL ZONE, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. Councilman Harvey moved to approve with one added condition: The developer will provide a 20- foot Type-C commercial buffer on all property lines abutting any residential zone. Councilwoman Dotley seconded. The motion carried. Councilman Harvey affirmed that today’s condition would be the second condition added to this ordinance. ACTION: PASSED AS AMENDED ON FIRST READING 2026-0001 Ingrid Yaneth Vicente Planning Commission Version District No. 7 ORDINANCE #14327 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4412 DODDS AVENUE, FROM RN-1-5 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE TO C-TMU TRANSITIONAL MIXED-USE COMMERCIAL ZONE. Councilwoman Dotley moved to approve with one condition: Prohibiting the operation of a liquor store on the site. Councilman Harvey seconded. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED AS AMENDED ON FIRST READING 6 02/10/26 2026-0003 TWM Inc. Planning Commission Version District No. 9 On motion of Councilman Elliott and seconded by Councilwoman Dotley, ORDINANCE #14328 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1810 SOUTH KELLEY STREET, AND UNADDRESSED PROPERTIES IN THE 1800 BLOCK OF SOUTH KELLEY STREET AND THE 2100 BLOCK OF EAST 19TH STREET, FROM RN-2 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE TO TRN-3 TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE DEVELOPMENT, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED ON FIRST READING 2026-0008 Wayne Williams c/o Workshop Architecture Planning Commission Version District No. 9 Agenda Item VIII(f): AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, SO AS TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2212 BAILEY AVENUE, FROM RN-2 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE TO TRN-3 TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE. Councilman Elliott moved to defer to March 10, 2026. Councilwoman Dotley seconded. The motion carried. ACTION: DEFERRED TO MARCH 10, 2026 On motion of Councilwoman Dotley and seconded by Councilman Davis, ORDINANCE #14329 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, AS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 14137 ON JULY 23, 2024, ARTICLE XIV, ADMINISTRATORS, SECTION 38-69, BOARD OF APPEALS. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED ON FIRST READING 7 02/10/26  On motion of Councilwoman Dotley and seconded by Vice Chair Noel, ORDINANCE #14330 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHATTANOOGA CITY CODE, PART II, CHAPTER 38, ZONING ORDINANCE, AS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 14137 ON JULY 23, 2024, MORE SPECIFICALLY ARTICLE II, DEFINITIONS, RELATED TO THE FLOOD HAZARD REGULATIONS. The motion carried. ACTION: PASSED ON FIRST READING RESOLUTIONS: PROCEDURAL NOTE: With no objection from the Council, Chairwoman Hill instructed the Clerk to group and read the following two resolutions for one Council vote. RESOLUTION #32794 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING DUAN BUSH, SR. TO THE PASSENGER VEHICLE FOR HIRE BOARD FOR DISTRICTS 4, 5, AND 6, WITH A THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON FEBRUARY 11, 2026, AND ENDING ON FEBRUARY 10, 2029. RESOLUTION #32795 A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING SANDRA NORWOOD TO THE HEAD START GOVERNING BOARD FOR DISTRICT 5, WITH A TWO-YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 26, 2025, AND ENDING ON OCTOBER 26, 2027. The motion carried. ACTION: RESOLUTIONS 32794 & 32795 ADOPTED Agenda Item IX(c): A RESOLUTION TO REPEAL RESOLUTION NO. 31479, ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023, AND ADOPTING NEW RULES OF OPERATION FOR THE CHATTANOOGA CITY COUNCIL. The motion carried. ACTION: DEFERRED TO FEBRUARY 17, 2026 On motion of Councilwoman Dotley and seconded by Councilman Elliott, RESOLUTION #32796 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO ENTER INTO A THIRD AGREEMENT TO EXERCISE OPTION TO RENEW WITH SONGBIRDS FOUNDATION, INC., FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF A CERTAIN SPACE AT THE SOUTH CHATTANOOGA COMMUNITY CENTER, LOCATED AT 1151 W. 40TH STREET, FURTHER IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP NO. 155O-N-001.03, FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM THROUGH MARCH 14, 2027, FOR THE ANNUAL RENT OF $1.00. The motion carried, with Chairwoman Hill abstaining. ACTION: ADOPTED 8 02/10/26  On motion of Vice Chair Noel and seconded by Councilwoman Dotley, RESOLUTION #32797 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO ENTER INTO A FIRST AGREEMENT TO EXERCISE OPTION TO RENEW WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, INC., IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED, FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF THE SURFACE PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 515 E. 4TH STREET, FURTHER IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP NO. 135M-J-002, AND LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION PROPERTY AT 519 E. 4TH STREET, FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM OF ONE (1) YEAR, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF $10.00. The motion carried. ACTION: ADOPTED On motion of Councilman Elliott and seconded by Councilwoman Dotley, RESOLUTION #32798 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF PARKS & OUTDOORS TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND (TPL) FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT PUBLIC USE AND ACCESS TO PROVENCE STREET PARK, IN EXCHANGE FOR ACCEPTING THIS GRANT, TPL REQUIRES THAT PROVENCE STREET PARK INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN ALL PUBLIC MATERIALS PROMOTING THE ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS GRANT “PROVENCE STREET PARK WAS CREATED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND”, IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000.00, WITH NO MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED. The motion carried. ACTION: ADOPTED On motion of Councilman Elliott and seconded by Councilwoman Dotley, RESOLUTION #32799 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA (UTC) TO RESEARCH THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE ON FRIAR BRANCH, WITH A PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON URBANIZATION, SEDIMENT, TRANSPORT, CHANNEL WIDENING, AND DEVELOP TOOLS BY WHICH THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA MAY BE ABLE TO CALCULATE WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS WITH RESPECT TO TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL). The motion carried. ACTION: ADOPTED 9 02/10/26 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Recommended New Purchases [View here Ms. Talley (Purchasing) recommended the following new purchases for Council consideration: 200868,1 Citywide Services, Stormwater $56,135.00 Forestry Division, Public Works Tree Planting Lowest/Best Bidders: 1. Big Sky Landscapes LLC - 1406 E. 51st Street, Chattanooga, TN 37407 2. Lumberjacks Tree Service - 4123 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 REQ175573 Fleet Management Division, Public Works $254,630.00 Garbage Truck Lowest/Best Bidder: Environmental Products Group 700 Hermit Smith Rd Apopka, FL 32703 200860,1LDO, Code Enforcement Division, Public Works $350,000.00 Overgrowth Abatement Services Lowest/Best Bidders: 1. TRG Lawncare - 1129 South Highland Park Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 2. Special Touch Lawn Service - 1315 Timbercrest Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37421 3. Grass Buster Lawn Maintenance - 614 Woodvale Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37411 4. River City Remodeling - 2232 Beeler Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37421 PA100106 Wastewater $1,800,000.00 Bypass Pumping Equipment Rental Lowest/Best Bidder: Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc 84 Floodgate Rd Bridgeport, NJ 08014 Councilwoman Dotley moved to approve. Councilman Harvey seconded. The motion carried. ACTION: ALL NEW PURCHASES APPROVED Emergency Purchases Ms. Talley also reported the following emergency purchase*: ITEM EXPLANATION/ DATE DEPARTMENT SUPPLIER COST DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION OTHER NOTES Mold Mold Police Belfor USA Remediation at 1/27/26 Remediation $1,217,481.78 REQ175699 Department Group Inc the Police Services Service Center *No Council action required for this report. 10 02/10/26 COMMITTEE REPORTS: [View here] Affordable Housing Committee Councilwoman Dotley (No report) Budget and Finance Committee Councilwoman Dotley reported: • The committee met today to receive a bond update from PFM, review four new financial policies, and hear a budget summary from Dr. Acuff. Economic Development Committee Councilman Elliott (No report) Education & Innovation Committee Councilman Harvey reported: Community Development Committee Councilman Clark (Not present) Legislative Committee Vice Chair Noel reported: • The committee will meet next week for Councilman Harvey to present on landscape plans. Planning and Zoning Committee Councilwoman Berz (Not present) Parks, Public Works & Wastewater Committee Councilman Davis (No report) • Councilman Davis took this time to acknowledge a group of Public Works employees and firefighters who traveled to Hickman County, outside of Nashville, to provide disaster relief following recent winter storms. Public Safety Committee Councilman Henderson (No report) OTHER BUSINESS Debt Obligation Report [View here] Attorney Noblett provided a report [see also attached] on the city’s debt obligations relating to General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026. He reported the bonded indebtedness of $35,420,000.00 that has been filed with the State. 11 02/10/26 RECOGNITION OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL [View here] Attorney Noblett read the rules of procedure for persons wishing to address the Council. After which, Chairwoman Hill recognized the following persons: Speaker Name District Link to YouTube Comments ● Edward Hewitt (N/A) View here ● Lauren Holley (N/A) View here ● Nips 4 View here o Chairwoman Hill warned the speaker to not use profane words during the public comments section. ● Mark Shackleford (N/A) View here ● Julia Henderson (N/A) View here ADJOURNMENT On motion of Vice Chair Noel, Chairwoman Hill adjourned the meeting of the Chattanooga City Council until next Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ___________________________________________ COUNCIL CHAIR _____________________________________ CLERK OF COUNCIL ATTACHMENT: Debt Obligation Report 12 02/10/26